Page:A history of Bohemian literature.pdf/217

200

Some were exiled for ever from the country; Others in prison still hope for mercy; Others, again, have been whipped: it is the fault of the rebels That this happens. O most mournful spectacle! many were amazed, Many a heart fainted, many shook from horror, For there is no record that there ever occurred before So great woe. Twelve heads were placed on the bridge-gate, That it might be proclaimed to every corner of the world Who were the rebels, the wretched "directors," The cause of all evil. The remains of those who were quartered were placed at the cross-ways in the streets; The hands of some were chopped off, having those fingers Which had sworn falsely, which had been raised To promise faith."

The song ends thus:—

"O Jesus, we pray to Thee, listen to our voices. Grant to us that we may shortly behold our beloved sovereign (Ferdinand II.), And, rejoicing with him, together praise and honour you, Glorify you for ever. This story will be the wonder of the whole world, And wherever the news reaches it will displease the evil-minded, For no one before ever heard or read in the chronicles That the devil's pride was so greatly humiliated. Many, many people then perished in a short time; Their day was ended, they came to the term of their life. O God! from a similar evil end Deign to preserve us all."

Though severely reprimanded, Lomnický himself escaped punishment, perhaps in consequence of his speedy recantation. The quaint tale that Lomnický was summoned to the presence of Ferdinand, reminded of the